Go Back
edamame pasta salad

Classic Edamame Pasta Salad

Delicious Classic Edamame Pasta Salad recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the pasta and vegetables
  • 1 cup pasta (I always use Barilla protein plus for a firmer bite)
  • 2 tsp avocado oil
  • 3/4 cup corn (thawed and patted dry to prevent sogginess)
  • 3/4 cup edamame
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
For the assembly
  • 15 basil leaves (hand-torn into 1/2-inch pieces to prevent bruising)
  • 5 tbsp vinaigrette (I prefer Newman's Own balsamic for this)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. I always use Barilla protein plus because it has a firmer bite that holds up better in salads without getting mushy. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the vegetables.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn (pat it dry first to prevent sogginess) and edamame, then sprinkle with kosher salt and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the corn develops light browning and the edamame begins to char slightly—this builds flavor through caramelization. Add the sliced scallions and cook for 2-3 minutes more until they soften and their fragrance releases into the pan.
  3. Transfer the roasted vegetable mixture to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature for about 5 minutes—this prevents the vinaigrette from breaking down and keeps the salad from becoming mushy. Add the cooled pasta from Step 1 to the vegetables, then gently fold in the hand-torn basil leaves (tearing by hand prevents bruising and keeps the basil leaves a vibrant green). Pour in the vinaigrette and lemon zest, then toss everything together until well combined. I prefer Newman's Own balsamic vinaigrette for this salad because its richness complements both the earthiness of edamame and the sweetness of corn.